How to Clean a Dishwasher the Right Way (Step-by-Step)

You load the dishwasher, press start, and expect sparkling dishes. But when the cycle finishes, you open it to find grime still clinging to plates and a musty smell wafting out. That’s a sign your dishwasher needs cleaning itself, and the method you choose matters more than most guides admit—especially with vinegar.

Dirty filter cause of poor cleaning: up to 90% of service calls ·
Vinegar on rubber seals: can degrade them; limit to every 3 months ·
Most common mistake: overloading, which reduces water flow ·
Lifespan with regular cleaning: 10-12 years vs. 7-8 years without

Maintenance tasks vary in frequency, as shown in the table below.

What is the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher?

Manufacturers including GE Appliances (appliance manufacturer) and KitchenAid (appliance manufacturer) agree on a core workflow: remove debris, clean the filter, wipe seals, and run a cleaning cycle. The order matters—skip the filter and the rest is wasted effort.

1. Remove and clean the filter
2. Wipe the door gasket and seals
3. Run a hot cycle with a cleaning agent
4. Dry the interior

Remove and clean the filter

• Locate the filter at the bottom center of the dishwasher under the spray arm (KitchenAid maintenance guide)
• Unlock and remove it by turning clockwise or counterclockwise (Consumer Reports cleaning advice)
• Wash with warm, soapy water and scrub with a soft toothbrush (Architectural Digest home guide)
• Soak in warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes if grime persists (Architectural Digest home guide)
• Rinse and lock back into place

Wipe the door gasket and seals

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the rubber gasket around the door. HomeMadeSimple (cleaning advice blog) warns that vinegar can dry out rubber parts, so stick to mild soap and water for this step.

Run a hot cycle with a cleaning agent

For light maintenance, KitchenAid recommends 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe glass on the bottom rack, running a complete regular cycle with an air-dry option. For heavy grease and limescale, commercial tablets like Affresh (dishwasher cleaner brand) or Finish (dishwashing brand) deliver stronger results.

“Consumer Reports notes that some experts recommend cleaning a removable dishwasher filter once a week, or twice a month if the dishwasher is used infrequently.”

Dry the interior

Prop the door open after the cycle to let moisture escape. Stale standing water inside is the fastest route to that sour smell you were trying to eliminate.

The implication: skipping the filter makes all other efforts ineffective. Prioritize filter cleaning for best results.

How do I deep clean my dishwasher?

A deep clean every 3–6 months catches what monthly maintenance misses: spray arm clogs, mineral deposits on heating elements, and grime in the sump area.

1. Empty and inspect the dishwasher
2. Remove and soak the filter in warm soapy water
3. Clean the spray arms with a toothpick or brush
4. Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner or vinegar and baking soda combo
5. Wipe all surfaces and run a final rinse cycle

Empty and inspect the dishwasher

• Remove all dishes, racks (if possible), and the silverware basket
• Check the bottom for food scraps and wipe debris with a damp cloth (GE Appliances cleaning guide)
• Inspect the spray arms for clogged holes

Remove and soak the filter in warm soapy water

Consumer Reports (independent product testing organization) says some experts recommend cleaning a removable filter once a week, or twice a month if the dishwasher is used infrequently. For a deep clean, soak it in warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes after scrubbing.

Clean the spray arms with a toothpick or brush

Remove the spray arms (check your manual for the release mechanism) and use a toothpick to clear each hole. Bosch maintenance instructions recommend running water through the arms to flush debris from inside after clearing the holes.

Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner or vinegar and baking soda combo

Bosch (appliance manufacturer) advises starting the longest, hottest empty wash cycle and adding a box of descaler after 30 minutes. For a DIY alternative, sprinkle 1 cup baking soda on the bottom and run a short hot cycle after the vinegar step.

Wipe all surfaces and run a final rinse cycle

Wipe down the interior walls, door, and rubber gasket with a damp cloth. Run a rinse cycle to clear any remaining residue. The result: a machine that smells neutral and performs like it did on day one.

The pattern: deep cleaning every 3–6 months prevents performance degradation that monthly maintenance alone cannot fix.

Can I pour vinegar in my dishwasher to clean it?

Yes, but with specific constraints. Vinegar is effective against limescale but ineffective against grease, and it can damage rubber components if overused.

How vinegar works in a dishwasher

The acetic acid in white vinegar dissolves calcium and mineral deposits. KitchenAid (appliance manufacturer) recommends 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe glass on the bottom rack, running a full cycle with an air-dry setting. Branch Basics (cleaning brand) suggests placing the cup on the top rack instead so the vinegar stays contained.

When to use vinegar (and when not to)

• Use it: for light limescale buildup, monthly maintenance, and deodorizing
• Avoid it: for heavy grease, after using bleach (mixing creates toxic chlorine gas), or more than once every 3 months

“HomeMadeSimple warns that vinegar may dry out rubber parts, causing cracking and leaks. Whirlpool advises against regular vinegar use for this reason.”

Whirlpool (appliance manufacturer) advises against regular vinegar use due to seal damage risk.

Vinegar vs. commercial cleaners

Comparing the two methods reveals key trade-offs in cost, effectiveness, and safety.

The implication: vinegar works as a maintenance tool, not a deep-cleaning solution. If you’re fighting hard water scale, a descaler tablet is the safer bet for your machine’s longevity.

Steps to use vinegar safely

• Place 1-2 cups white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack (Branch Basics placement guide)
• Run a complete hot cycle with air-dry setting (KitchenAid cycle advice)
• Follow with a rinse cycle to remove vinegar residue
• Limit this method to every 3 months

The catch: vinegar is effective for maintenance but not for deep cleaning. Use commercial tablets for heavy grease and scale.

What are common dishwasher cleaning mistakes?

Most dishwasher problems trace back to a handful of avoidable errors. Fix these, and your machine will likely perform better without any product changes.

Overloading the dishwasher

When dishes are packed too tightly, water can’t reach every surface. Consumer Reports (independent testing organization) has documented that overloading reduces cleaning effectiveness because spray arms can’t rotate freely and water jets are blocked.

Using too much detergent

Extra detergent doesn’t mean cleaner dishes. Excess suds leave a white film on glassware and can cause the dishwasher to leak. Use only the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer for your water hardness level.

Skipping filter cleaning

A dirty filter is the top cause of poor cleaning performance. Consumer Reports warns that neglecting the filter can clog the dishwasher and potentially lead to a flood at the bottom of the machine. Finish (dishwashing brand) recommends removing and rinsing the filter regularly according to your dishwasher’s instructions.

Using the wrong type of detergent

Regular dish soap creates massive foam that can destroy the machine. Use only dishwasher detergent—pods, powder, or gel designed for automatic dishwashers.

Not scraping food before loading

Pre-rinsing isn’t necessary with modern dishwashers, but large food scraps should be scraped into the trash. Bits of food that stay on dishes end up in the filter, accelerating the clog cycle.

What this means: avoiding these mistakes is cheap and easy. Prioritize proper loading, detergent, and filter care to keep your dishwasher running efficiently.

How do I clean the dishwasher filter?

The filter is the single most important component for cleaning performance, and it’s also the most neglected. KitchenAid (appliance manufacturer) provides a straightforward process:

Locate the filter (usually bottom center)

Open the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. The filter assembly is at the center or back of the floor. Some models have a coarse filter on top and a fine filter underneath.

Remove and rinse under running water

Consumer Reports (independent testing organization) explains: turn the filter clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the model, lift it out, and rinse it under warm running water. A sponge and some dish soap handle most of the grime.

Scrub with a soft brush if necessary

For stubborn particles, Architectural Digest (home publication) recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush, water, white vinegar, and baking soda. After rinsing and brushing, soak the filter in warm water and white vinegar for at least 30 minutes.

Reinstall properly

Lock the filter back into place by aligning it and turning until it clicks. A loose filter allows food particles to recirculate and settle on your dishes.

The pattern: a clean filter is the foundation of dishwasher performance. Monthly cleaning prevents 90% of service calls.

By following these steps, your dishwasher will perform better and last longer. Consumer Reports notes that regular filter cleaning alone can extend dishwasher life by 2–3 years.